Habiba Case Study

Habiba and Samad fled to this country with their 7 year old son from their war torn country in the Middle East. They suffered great persecution and trauma at the hands of their oppressors for practicing Islam.

Prior to the civil unrest, Samad was the owner of a small convenience store, and the family were financially comfortable. When the conflict arose, Samad and Habiba decided to sell their shop and use the proceeds to make a safe passage to this country, where they believed they would be safe from harm and be able to practice their Islam.

In a desperate attempt to escape the destruction and persecution, they spent all their wealth on their documentation and flights to this country. On arrival they applied for political asylum; however, their application was rejected, leaving the family penniless in a foreign country, with no friends or family for support, and no access to public funds.

Samad began to volunteer at a local mosque, tutoring children in the recitation of the holy Qu’ran, in the hope that he would receive donations to fund their living.

However, during one of his classes the police charged in and arrested Samad without explanation or charge, leaving Habiba totally vulnerable, with no access to state benefits to support her and her son. The local community who had initially welcomed the family no longer wanted to associate with them, for fear of repercussions from the police.

Samad was incarcerated, and became frustrated at the community’s reluctance to look after his family.

Habiba’s story is not a one-off. So many people who have been affected by persecution and misfortune in their own country believed that, by seeking asylum in this country, they could rebuild their life again. 

Little did she know the trials that lay ahead.  Her dreams of a better life for herself and her son are now shattered, Habiba is alone, afraid, destitute and desperate, and unable to reach out to her local community who do not want to get involved.

Perhaps you are reluctant to help Habiba as you do not believe she is your concern. She could have been your mother or your daughter. She is your sister.

We are all responsible for the welfare of our vulnerable sisters like Habiba. Let’s make a difference and honour our faith by taking care of those who need our help the most.

What could happen?

What will your Zakat do? (Immediate benefits)

  • Provide Habiba and her son with food and shelter
  • Prevent Habiba from working illegally, where her vulnerability could be exploited
  • Remove her concerns of where the next meal may come from

Value added (Long term benefits)

What did your Zakat do for Habiba?

Alhamdulillah, with your support from your Zakat, Habiba received the help she needed to get her out of her destitute situation.

Habiba was given access to emergency Zakat funds which allowed her to seek legal advice on her situation.

Habiba was directed to a number of key local charities to help aquire the skills and support she needed to better her situation.

Your zakat empowered Habiba to pay for a legal representative to help her husband with his case.

Your zakat prevented Habiba from worrying about how to feed and clothe her and her son.

Finally your contribution opened doors of opportunities which empowered Habiba to sort her situation and provide for her and her son a better way of life.

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